Supporters say the law would stop the spread of ‘misinformation,’ but opponents say it violates free speech
by Amar Toor@amartoo Dec 2, 2016, 6:55am EST
The French National Assembly this week moved to criminalize websites that spread “misinformation” about abortions and spread pro-life propaganda. The law, approved on Thursday, would punish offenders with up to two years in prison and a €30,000 fine. It will now move on to the Senate, The Guardian reports.
Supporters say the bill would target sites that masquerade as neutral sources of information on abortion, but are in fact operated by advocacy groups that seek to manipulate and pressure women into not terminating pregnancies. The proposal has drawn criticism from right-wing politicians and Catholic organizations, who say it infringes on free speech.
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Source: The Verge